Wubba Lubba Dub Dub! Never, in my time as a writer, did I ever imagine I would start a piece with pure gibberish. I suppose it was only a matter of time. But, when I think of Rick and Morty and how excited I am for Season 3, my brain turns to mush. You know, the good kind. Thankfully, SDCC blessed the masses by giving us what we want: a 45-minute panel devoted to our favorite inter-dimensional grandfather/grandson duo. Creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland (also the voice behind both Rick and Morty) joined writer Ryan Ridley, Sarah Chalke (Beth) and Spencer Grammer (Summer) for a panel of “schwifty”-like proportions.
Moderator Brian Quinn (Impractical Jokers) christened our Rick and Morty panel with the question we’ve all been asking: Why so long on the Season 3 release? Harmon and Roiland were quick with their defense, saying they didn’t want to disappoint fans. Their desire was to create the best season possible, to appease fans everywhere with quality content. Harmon quipped that he’s fearful of the fans. “We’re afraid of letting you down. There’s a lot of you. You’re kind of scary. Just one of you could stab someone with a pencil,” he joked. Which of course, feeds into not wanting to disappoint. It’s a vicious cycle.
Meanwhile, Roiland had a different story in regards to the Season 3 delay. Our voice behind Morty’s drunken scientist grandfather has had several side projects in the works. Roiland graced the crowd with an exclusive sneak peek of his new baby: RC Stunt Extravaganza Video Series. That title alone is enticing enough for me. In the clip, we see Roiland sporting a charming set of VR goggles as he operates a tiny remote control car. Said car also contains a microphone so he can speak through it. Of course, the video is riddled with fake explosions and hardcore stunts.
He interviews Mike McMahan, a writer on Rick and Morty. Roiland asks McMahan his opinion on the meaning of life, to which the latter responds with his newborn son being the catalyst of putting things in perspective for him. Our RC stuntman is instantly bored and moves on. After applying an overabundance (and uncomfortable) amount of Carmex chapstick, Roiland attempts a stunt with his tiny motor car, which ends in pure tragedy. And scene!
Now, I believe this show could make it big. We’re talking EGOT big here, folks. However, the panel switched gears with a fun impromptu scene that could belong in a future Rick and Morty episode. It doesn’t, but one can dream, right? Roiland voiced both Rick and Morty seamlessly while Harmon narrated. Chalke and Grammer even joined in on the improv, as Beth and Summer respectively. It was absolutely delightfully, especially watching Roiland with his vocal talents in the flesh.
RELATED: RICK AND MORTY Creator Acquires the Mulan Szechuan Sauce!
Then, Quinn asked our panel a more questions. If Harmon and Roiland could have a Rick and Morty spin-off on Adult Swim, which characters would they use? Birdperson and Tammy, for starters. Squanchy was also brought up for a potential show with Breaking Bad undertones, joked Harmon, but the cat himself would still be a comedic character. I personally dig the Birdperson/Tammy idea, but would also love something centered on the Council of Ricks. Our gang also opens up on the possibility of a Rick and Morty spin-off in another dimension, with of course slight tweaks to our main cast since they wouldn’t live on Earth. Just give us more in this universe, and I’ll be a happy camper.
Later, our prayers were answered when Harmon and Roiland unveiled a clip from Rick and Morty Season 3! Yes, you read that right. Not something we watched in the Season 3 premiere a few months back, but brand new footage. We see Morty attending school and eavesdropping on Jessica with her friends. She’s broken up with her boyfriend, and her posse wonder who she’ll date next. Morty decides to seize the moment and approaches her. Suddenly, Rick jumps in and ushers Morty into another one of their epic quests. Morty hopes it’s brief, but the adventure spans six days. We see our duo getting chased in an intergalactic battle, hanging on to tendrils of sanity. The clip ends with the pair stranded and, well, losing their s**t. Everything we love about Rick and Morty.
Remember Rick’s speech in the Season 3 opener about his beloved Szechuan Sauce? McDonald’s remembers (like Pepperridge Farm). Roiland proudly announced that the mega-restaurant chain will be sending a bottle of the elusive sauce to the Rick and Morty office. Finally, justice for Rick has been served, and the best part is it didn’t take nine seasons or 97 years!
The Rick and Morty panel had it all: the laughs, the sneak peeks, the improvised scenes and…the sauce. Thank you SDCC for loving this goofy sci-fi cartoon as much as we do. Now, I’ve left you all a little surprise that I’m sure you’ll love. Take it as a token of my gratitude of this show’s existence. Below is the panel in its entirety, ready and waiting for your viewing pleasure. Savor it, love on it. Pour some Szechuan Sauce on it. And please, don’t forget to “get schwifty.” But maybe keep your pants on if you’re in a public place.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to make like Tiny Rick and gobble up the second episode of Season 3 of Rick and Morty!
Rick and Morty returns Friday at 10pm on Adult Swim.
https://youtu.be/76_7aMPE5w8
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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